Recently, Children’s Minnesota honored police officers across the nation—as well as our own—by celebrating National Police Week, as well as Peace Officers Memorial Day on May 15. In 1962, President Kennedy signed a proclamation designating May 15 as a day to honor those peace officers who, through their courageous deeds, have lost their lives or have become disabled in the performance of duty. The proclamation designates the week in which May 15 occurs each year as Police Week, in recognition of the service given by the men and women who, night and day, protect us through enforcement of our laws. More information can be found in the original proclamation.
As a reminder, the officers on Children’s Minneapolis and St. Paul campuses are Children’s employees, but also serve as protectors in the communities our patients, families and employees live in. Children’s has officers who are also school resource officers, K-9 handlers, homicide detectives, human trafficking investigators, property crimes investigators, crisis negotiators, crime prevention officers, business technology administrators, patrol officers, community engagement and response team members and many more unique roles within their own police departments. Children’s is fortunate to have a top-notch group of officers who are not only admired for the service they provide to their communities, but also for the safety, security and service they provide to patients, families, visitors and employees.
In addition to providing safety and security at our hospital campuses, the liaison officers at Children’s also take time to connect with our patients and lift their spirits during their stay with us. Check out this KARE 11 segment from last summer, featuring one particular patient who is very fond of our local police officers.